Head of Mojave Test Operations

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Locations

Mojave, CA, USA

Experience Level

Entry

Junior

Mid

Senior

Expert

Desired Skills

Communications

Requirements

3+ years of operational experience working with cryogenic, hydraulic, and high pressure systems or aircraft operations
Experience with project management including scheduling and reporting
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
Must be able to stand for extended periods
Physically able to lift and maneuver items weighing up to 50 lbs (unassisted)
Strong technical knowledge of aerospace testing procedures
Operational experience with propellants, cryogenics, pyrophoric chemicals, and high pressure systems
Ability to interpret piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID's)
Experience with technical writing and communication including operational procedures and readiness reviews
1. Critical thinking: ABL engineers understand the "why" behind all design decisions, operational events and test outcomes
2. Ability to deal with ambiguity: there is no roadmap and ABL engineers must be comfortable defining their own pathway to an objective
3. End-to-end ownership: projects are delivered fully complete and ready for flight; there is no one to pick up the slack of partially complete work

Responsibilities

Maintain daily testing schedule, working closely with leadership to determine priorities
Coordinate engineering and technician resources to ensure each campaign is appropriately staffed
Develop and implement testing procedures, protocols, and training methodologies to ensure operations are performed safely, effectively, and professionally
Oversee the maintenance and calibration of test equipment and ensure compliance with relevant industry standards
Collaborate with other departments, such as engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure that test programs align with broader organizational goals and requirements
Continuously evaluate and improve test processes, procedures, and automation to ensure operations are conducted efficiently and effectively
Operate and maintain hardware for high pressure, cryogenic, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems
Manage technical aspects of test site expansion or upgrade projects
Provide technical guidance and leadership to the test operations teams
Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that promotes safety, quality, and continuous improvement

ABL Space Systems was founded in 2017 by veterans of SpaceX and Morgan Stanley to develop low-cost launch vehicles for the small satellite industry. More importantly, we’re building a launch system we are truly proud of – no gimmicks or over-design, just reliable, rapidly deployable launches. We’re an ambitious team with big goals and, together, we’re determined to prove that reaching space can be simple, efficient, and routine.

When launch day arrives, we want you by our side

Launch and Test is responsible for ensuring vehicle and ground systems are ready for flight. The required testing has a broad scope including engine development testing and acceptance testing, ground system proofing and functionality testing, stage acceptance testing, integrated stage operations and everything in between. We are looking for an experienced “Head of Test Operations” to oversee these daily activities across our multiple test sites, located in Mojave.

Responsibilities:

Maintain daily testing schedule, working closely with leadership to determine priorities
Coordinate engineering and technician resources to ensure each campaign is appropriately staffed.
Develop and implement testing procedures, protocols, and training methodologies to ensure operations are performed safely, effectively, and professionally.
Oversee the maintenance and calibration of test equipment and ensure compliance with relevant industry standards.
Collaborate with other departments, such as engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure that test programs align with broader organizational goals and requirements.
Continuously evaluate and improve test processes, procedures, and automation to ensure operations are conducted efficiently and effectively.
Operate and maintain hardware for high pressure, cryogenic, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
Manage technical aspects of test site expansion or upgrade projects.
Provide technical guidance and leadership to the test operations teams.
Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that promotes safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

3+ years of operational experience working with cryogenic, hydraulic, and high pressure systems or aircraft operations.
Experience with project management including scheduling and reporting

PREFERRED SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
Must be able to stand for extended periods
Physically able to lift and maneuver items weighing up to 50 lbs (unassisted)
Strong technical knowledge of aerospace testing procedures
Operational experience with propellants, cryogenics, pyrophoric chemicals, and high pressure systems.
Ability to interpret piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID’s)
Experience with technical writing and communication including operational procedures and readiness reviews.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR:

1. Critical thinking: ABL engineers understand the "why" behind all design decisions, operational events and test outcomes.
2. Ability to deal with ambiguity: there is no roadmap and ABL engineers must be comfortable defining their own pathway to an objective.
3. End-to-end ownership: projects are delivered fully complete and ready for flight; there is no one to pick up the slack of partially complete work.

The salary range for this role is $124,100-$175,000. This is the lowest to highest salary we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees.

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information protected under US export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations. As such, US person status (including US citizens, permanent residents, asylees, and refugees) is a required qualification for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work and access export-controlled data) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage applicants of all ages.

201-500 employees

Website

Rockets for small satellite launches

Company Overview

ABL Space Systems was founded in 2017 by veterans of SpaceX and Morgan Stanley to develop low-cost launch vehicles for the small satellite industry. More importantly, they're building a launch system they are truly proud of – no gimmicks or over-design, just reliable, rapidly deployable launches.